Manager says Alness United must plug leaks in defence as they prepare to face Orkney in North Caledonian League

Alness United manager Robert MacCormack says sloppy goals are costing his side dearly.

Alness are in for another tricky test tomorrow as, weather-permitting, Orkney are due to make the trip to Ross-shire in North Caledonian League action.

Last time out United lost 3–2 to league leaders Loch Ness, and MacCormack was left frustrated by the manner of goals they conceded in Fortrose.

“We’re not giving ourselves a chance when we’re conceding too many sloppy goals, and teams don’t have to be playing that well to beat us right now,” MacCormack reasoned.

“It’s quite frustrating when over the course of 90 minutes we’re actually doing okay, but giving away sloppy goals is hard to take.

“We’ve tried to change shape, formations, we’ve tried to put different people in different positions.

“One way or the other, it’s just not working for us.

“As a group, we’ve played quite well, but we’re giving away goals far too easily. We’ll carry on working to see if we can sort it out, but it’s pretty frustrating.

“Orkney will come over thinking they can get three points. Hopefully we can get our season back on track by picking up three points, but it definitely won’t be easy.”

Alness will have to do without Alexander Mackay who is still out with a foot injury, but MacCormack should have an otherwise fully-fit squad.

United’s match is the only league fixture scheduled for this weekend, as everyone else is due to be in cup action. Invergordon travel to Halkirk United in the first round of the North Caledonian Cup.

St Duthus are also away from home in the competition, going on the road to Inverness Athletic, while Bonar Bridge host Thurso.

There is one quarter final tie on the calendar for tomorrow too, as league leaders Loch Ness travel to defending champions Golspie Sutherland.

Thurso and Halkirk are then due to face off in the league on Tuesday night.

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